What is aggression? Aggression-an unprovoked attack(1) any offensive activity (2) a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour (Collins Dictionary definition) AQA definition Behaviour that harms another human being Behaviour that is intentional Behaviour that is outside the laws of the game

Defining Aggression “Aggression is any form of behaviour toward the goal of harming or injuring another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment” (Baron 1977) “Aggression does not essentially involve injury, violence usually does” (Brown 1985) “The intentional infliction of some form of harm to others” (Gross 1991)

Aggression is…. First act of harm, hostility or injury Involves physical and verbal action (thinking is not aggressive). Involves an implied intention Ultimately damaging, whether physical or mental. Is outside the rules of the game.

Assertion Goal directed behaviour Acceptable but forceful behaviour Legitimate physical/verbal force No intention to harm or injure Behaviour which does not violate the agreed rules of the sport. E.g. strong tackling in rugby, smash in tennis.

Types of Aggression Hostile aggression Outside the rules of the game. Aimed solely at hurting someone, the primary reinforcement is seeing pain or injury inflicted on another person. (sometimes called reactive aggression) Instrumental aggression A means to an end, aggression to achieve a non-aggressive goal. Primary reinforcement being tangible reward. e,.g an instrument to achieve victory! Channelled aggression More positive form. Performer diverts aggressive feelings into positive actions. E.g concentrating/working harder. (helpful to team or individual.

Theories of Aggression (Instinct) Instinct theory Aggression is inherited not learnt Result of evolution and inevitable just as in any other species which fights to survive. This can be acceptable e.g. competitive sport, expeditions Or unacceptable e.g. crime (external) or self (suicide)

Criticisms of Instinct theory Research shows that societies do not show similar levels of aggression. Theory implies that aggression is hostile yet there are clear examples of instrumental aggression in society. Social studies show that aggression can be learnt E.g. Bobo dolls (Bandura)

Frustration-aggression hypothesis Dollard et al (1939). The existence of frustration leads to some form of aggression. In sport prevention of us achieving our goal leads to frustration which in turn lead to aggression. E.g. someone keeps tackling you preventing your team from winning. Aggression can either be successful and provide catharsis, or unsuccessful resulting in punishment. This in turn reduces or increases the level of frustration.

Criticisms of Frustration-aggression hypothesis Not all individuals who experience frustration exhibit aggressive behaviours. Individuals who do get aggressive do not exhibit this behaviour every time they become frustrated. Some individuals exhibit aggressive tendencies even when there is no obvious blockage to their goals to provide frustration.

Aggressive cue Theory Berkowitz (1994) Developed in response to the criticisms of frus-agg For aggressive behaviour to occur socially learned cues must be present in the environment. E.g. encouragement from coach (person related) Aggression related sports (rugby, boxing) Aggression related objects (bats, boxing gloves)

Social Learning Theory We learn by observing others and the reinforcement they receive. If this other person is significant (e.g. role model) and the reinforcement they receive is positive then we are likely to copy this behaviour. Give an example of this. If we imitate behaviour and receive positive reinforcement then we are likely t repeat the behaviour. If role models are punished for aggressive behaviour then we are less likely to imitate it.

Deinviduation Theory Mob mentality The larger the group or crowd the more likely that individuals will act as the crowd acts rather than in accordance with their own beliefs and values. E.g. Football hooliganism

Conclusions There is some evidence to suggest that genetic inheritance can predispose some people towards violence (Instinct) Obstacles to success can cause frustration which can lead to aggression especially in the presence of aggressive cues. Socialisation probably has the greatest effect on whether we act aggressively in sporting situations.

Controlling Aggression Very popular exam question Homework Summarise (5) theories of aggression in your own words. Copy out all diagrams of aggression theories. 12.11, 12.12 (pg 169/170) Read controlling aggression and summarise then copy table 12.1 (pg 172) Half term test next weds (personality, achievement motivation, attitudes and aggression).